Read the following excerpt from the Declaration of Independence. Which Enlightenment idea likely inspired this passage?
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with
certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life,
Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - That to secure
these rights, Governments are instituted among Men,
deriving their just powers from the consent of the
governed, - That whenever any form of Government
becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the
People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new
Government, laying its foundation on such principles and
organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem
most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.2
A. John Locke's support for the principle of popular sovereignty
B. Charles de Montesquieu's writings about separation of
powers
C. William Blackstone's arguments in favor of the rule of law
O D. Thomas Hobbes' theories on the importance of absolute
monarchy